fbpx Skip to main content

How Lyme Disease Changed My Life

By December 20, 2017December 3rd, 2020Nutrition Education

How Lyme Disease Changed My Life

Craig and I have a very serious story to tell. I find it interesting that from social media, you may think we have it all together but it is far from it. Facebook photos can look so glamorous and show a false truth. Yes, I am grateful for my family and being offered amazing opportunities but having to watch my husband suffer for years has taken a toll on our whole family.

5 years ago Craig started living in chronic pain. I (Maria) used this photo of him holding Kai because it is the last photo I have of him looking strong. He went from a muscular and strong man to 134 pound man who hunches as he walks and struggles with constant pain. There were days he didn’t want to get out of bed because the pain would be unbearable. We had no answers for his pain and he seemed to give up and just live with it. We have tried everything in the past 5 years; exogenous ketones, CBD oil, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy, supplements and even though has has eaten 100% keto the whole time, he was still left with constant pain. The only thing that got him out of bed was to help all of you who needed help with answers to keto questions. He enjoyed helping all of you and his science background loved researching deep into the ketogenic lifestyle.

He has lived with chronic pain every moment of the last 5 years which have progressively gotten worse and worse. It started as lower back pain. This moved up his back until his entire back was always sore and stiff. Then his shoulder and neck became sore and stiff. Now he has migratory pain as well that moves from his hip, to knee, to ankle then back to knee. The pain feels like when you have a really bad ankle sprain. It shows up one day in the ankle then is gone to the knee the next day. Sometimes in both.

The hardest thing of all has been knowing that this is how my boys know me (Craig). We brought them home 6 years ago and for all of what they remember of me (last 5 years) it has been “daddy has a sore back”. My boys know they can’t jump on my back, I can’t carry them, give them piggy back rides. When I see other fathers putting their kids on their shoulders it is hard because I know I can’t do that for my boys. They know that when I play football with them I can’t run. I also can no longer throw as far as my 8 year old son. I can’t shoot a basketball from as far away as Micah either. They just know me as the dad that can’t do many activities with them and that has been hard.

Diagnosis

There are major problems with our current medical community and how they deal with Lyme disease. First of all the standard test (western blot Lyme test) has a very high false negative rate. That means that is will say you are negative for Lyme when you are really positive. There are several reasons for this. The western blot Lyme test tests for IgG antiboidies and it separates them into weights which creates bands for the antibody response to specific proteins found on the Spriochete (Lyme). There are a total of 10 bands (18, 21, 28, 30, 39, 41, 45, 58, 66 and 93 kDa). It then looks for 5 positive bands. If it gets 5 positive bands it then looks at the IgM antibodies which have bands 23, 39 and 41. The IgG are typically form early stage infection and IgM from later stage infections.

If they get the 5 positive bands from the IgG they look for 2 positive bands in the IgM. They do this to prove you have a current Lyme infection as you can have antibodies from an earlier infection (but not current). This makes sense in general but here is the problem. For whatever reason the Western Blot test doesn’t report on the bands 22, 25, 28, 31, 35, 37 and 83! They don’t test all the bands on the IgG which is why many times they will report a negative result and don’t even look at IgM antibodies. This is what happened to me about 2 years ago. I had the western blot test and it came back negative. The Igenex test tests for all the bands and for co-infections as well. More on that next.

I (Craig) went another 2 years of not knowing what was wrong with me and getting worse and worse. I finally went to a functional doctor to try to figure out what was going on. Our functional doctor had additional blood tests done and found that Craig, the carnivore, was still anemic with low iron and b-12. She assumed he was a vegetarian because of his blood work; but Craig eats almost entirely meat! He became extremely keto (near zero carb) because it was the one thing he could do to keep the pain and inflammation manageable. Even with this his CRP came back at 50! CRP tells you how much inflammation is going on  in the body and you want to be 2.0 or less, ideally 1.0 or less and he was 50.0. Given his extreme keto diet and the lifestyle he lives, we knew there had to be something really wrong.

One day I (Maria) broke down to my publisher who I talk to often about book projects and many other things. I told Erich, my publisher, how Craig is never on the adventures I take with my kids. I take the boys camping and fishing without Craig because he can’t handle the pain. During this conversation I told Erich how I often have 6 ticks on me in the summer months. His voice got very serious and he told me he lived in Thailand and areas around the world that have poisonous snakes, spiders, insects but what scares him the most are ticks with Lyme disease. Erich said Craig probably has Lyme. I told Erich that Craig did get tested a year ago and it came back negative. Erich explained how the traditional Lyme test (standard western blot Lyme test) has false negatives 90% of the time and that we need to do an Igenix test. He said it was expensive but worth doing it AND if Craig’s Lyme test came back positive, I need to do one also. Sure enough, Craig’s Igenix blood test came back positive. It was a bit of a relief to Craig to finally have an answer to his chronic pain, but also challenging to know the long road to recovery that was ahead.

As you can see, using the CDC criteria I (Craig) still show negative but with the Igenex test you can see the positive result of Lyme disease.

We began talking with doctors about treatment and this is where things got really frustrating. The clinic doctors and even Holistic doctors we contacted didn’t have Lyme experience and all they would do is give 2 weeks of standard antibiotics (Doxycycline). We know that with chronic Lyme disease that Craig has, this will do little to nothing to address the disease (more on that below). We were only able to find a couple Lyme Literate doctors in the Minneapolis area and they were booked out 3-4 months. After 5 years dealing with this disease Craig didn’t need to wait 4 more month to start treatment. We finally found a Lyme Literate doctor in San Francisco that could see him the following week. Craig flew out the next week and met with her to start treatment. He is now working with Dr. Shalev at Holtorf Medical Group. They are very knowledgeable about the latest Lyme disease treatments and she even worked under Dr. Klinghardt who is widely seen as one of the top Lyme experts in the world.

 

 

There is a documentary that is really eye opening about Lyme disease and how our medical system has failed so many people. It is called Under Your Skin. Here is the trailer.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone dealing with Lyme or who has someone they know dealing with it. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video HERE.

So now we are on the road to recovery. But as anyone who has dealt with chronic Lyme disease knows, it is a very long road. There is so much to deal with and treat. Lyme breaks down your immune system so much that a host of issues creep in when you have it for this long. There are a bunch of co-infections, biofilms, cysts, bacteria, parasites, heavy metals and much more that all have to be dealt with in order to fully recover. This is why traditional treatment is so flawed.  A couple weeks of traditional antibiotic does little to deal with all these related issues and the Lyme just hides in the parasite, cysts and biofilms and reinfects you as soon as the antibiotic is stopped. Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme) is capable of transforming into a cyst when it feels its life is threatened. While in cyst form, Borrelia obtains immunity from antibiotics, its host’s immune system, and temperature and PH variations. It can also lower its metabolic rate while in cyst form in order to ward off starvation. When conditions within its host become more favorable, it will transform back into its spirochetal form. A spirochete can also have the added protection of a biofilm if it morphs into a cyst while inside a biofilm.

When you start to treat these underlying issues, you will actually get much worse before you get better. Many people end up bed ridden for some periods of time. The reaction is called a Herx (or Herxheimer) reaction. It occurs when you have a big die-off parasites, yeasts, co-infections, etc related to Lyme. This is a long road but we hope he will begin seeing improvements in 4 month or so with a recovery time expected to take 9 months to a year or more.

Craig was lucky enough that his diet and lifestyle were able to keep the Lyme from crossing over into the brain to effect neurological things like foggy memory, muscle control, etc. Many people end up with foggy memory, unable to walk stairs or even being bed ridden. I believe that the Keto lifestyle he lived helped him avoid the disease progressing to that point.

In fact, there is some growing evidence that many of the cases of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, arthritis and others may have a root cause of un-diagnosed Lyme disease. In the documentary listed above Dr. Klinghardt states that he has yet to see an MS patient in his office that didn’t also test positive for Lyme disease. Lyme Disease is a growing epidemic in this country and our healthcare community is tragically uneducated on its treatment. Those doctors that are educated on Lyme are booked out months. This results in more and more people being un-diagnosed or misdiagnosed leading to long term issues and chronic Lyme disease which can lead to MS, Parkinson’s and a host of other chronic diseases.

Treatment

So now he is in treatment. We have started by attacking the co-infections, bacteria, parasites and cysts. The top Lyme doctors today believe that addressing these issues first gives better results as the Lyme won’t be able to come back as easily after proper antibiotic treatment. We started with the Cowden protocol. The protocol itself incorporates a multifaceted approach to treating chronic Lyme disease through powerful anti-microbials that work just as good, if not better, than doxycycline, by addressing the 3 anatomical forms of the Lyme bacteria (i.e., spirochetal, cyst-form, and L-form), co-infections, detoxification support for the brain, nervous system, liver, kidneys, blood, and lymphatic system, immune modulation, heavy metal removal, krebs cycle support and energy support due to magnesium deficiency, biofilm dissolvers, and the removal of excess sulfur.

He is also starting the Klinghardt protocol for killing parasites. It is an intensive protocol using several anti-parasitic drugs to eliminate all the parasites that might be present (and thus get rid of the places where Lyme can hide). One of the best Lyme parasite anti-parasitics right now is Ivermectin. It is widely recognized as one of the most effective drugs for Lyme disease patients.

This will be a long process (likely over a year in total) and I will get worse before I get better. I will follow up with more posts in the future about my journey and hopefully that journey can help others who are struggling with this disease. Thanks for all your love and support!

Maria Emmerich

Maria is a wellness expert who has helped clients follow a Ketogenic lifestyle to heal and lose weight for over 20 years. She has helped thousands of clients get healthy, get off medications and heal their bodies; losing weight is just a bonus. She is the international best selling author of several books including "Keto: The Complete Guide to Success on the Ketogenic Diet.".

91 Comments

  • Prayers your way, Craig. I have friends and family with Lyme. It is epidemic in the US.

    • Marty Maxwell says:

      Praying for you and your family! My wife is in her 3rd year on a 5 year pulse antibiotic treatment for Chronic Lyme, my 2 children and I also have it. I was on 2 year treatment. My wife and don are doing much better. I didn’t have but 10 of the 85 symptoms, most are gone now. The Keto diet has been a big help in keeping my inflammation down. 3 years ago my CRP was 13, 4 months on Ketogenic it was .77. Anything above 1 is bad.

  • Meredith says:

    Thinking of you and hoping you are able to stay positive despite all the crummy side effects of Lyme Disease. Please keep us posted on your journey. There are so many of us that care about you and your family!

  • Theresa says:

    Nothing portrayed on social media is ever as it seems. Praying for your family. Thank you for sharing this with us, I know how difficult it can be to share something so personal.

  • Leslie Pittman says:

    Thank you so much for sharing, I have no doubt you will help others with your story. I’m so glad to hear you have found effective treatment. I’m in Seattle and have family members that were successfully treated by Dr. Klinghardt. Hang in there, it’s a long road but you will persevere.

  • Lynn Gehrke says:

    Craig, your story is moving, emotional, and informative. I am terribly sorry to read this and want you to know I will begin praying for you and your family. I am also feeing greatly blessed for the times you have answered my email and FB questions while you live life in such pain. I pray the protocols will work and you will regain a pain free life. Christmas blessings and here’s to health in the New Year.

  • Kathleen says:

    Wow. Living in AZ I have never known anyone personally who has this and I know so very little about it except from reading this. I’m so glad that you are knowledgable about so many aspects of this and others health issues that you can educate others. Thank you!

  • M Crawford says:

    Thanks for sharing your story. As an RN I come in contact with patients with various “auto immune” diagnosies. I will keep this in mind as a possibility when things don’t add up. It has been a fountain of information. Thank you again and prayers for healing and restoration for your husband~

  • Catherine Forbes says:

    I was diagnosed with Lyme last year after 30 years of problems. Diagnosed with Epstein Barr, Lupus syndrome, CMV, MS misproces by brain MRIs, major chronic fatigue, and periods of major fibromyalgia. Given massive supplements and told to see a shrink, which I did. After all this and integrative MDs and a LLMD who has lots of woo woo treatments that scares me, my research led me to Dr Bill Rawls and his herbal treatment plan. I am ordering it today after a lot of research. Check it out.

  • Elodia Spray says:

    Thank you for being so open and honest about this debilitating condition, that I never realized was so extensive. I could never thank you and Maria enough for your hard work and commitment into helping others when you yourself are struggling. I have been a teacher for many years and 3 years ago one of my students mother who was always active and taught piano was stricken with the same condition. It ended up to the point where she was not ever scene and dad wouldn’t talk about it. I have heard she is much worse and I am so grateful to be better informed so I can pass this information along. God Bless the family.

  • Dan says:

    My wife had chronic pain and went to a radon mine in Montana for 10 days, I have heard it works for Lymes disease, I saw people with arthritis and Lupus, and other issues get better in a matter of days, worth checking out http://www.radonmine.com hope this helps!

  • Donna says:

    This is heartbreaking! Your family is in my prayers as is healing for Craig. God bless!

  • Pamela says:

    Praying for healing for you Craig. You have been so very, very helpful to all of us ketonians and cleansers. I pray for the healing to be less traumatic and shorter than expected. You, Maria and your entire family have been such an inspiration for so many to heal their lives. I for one cannot thank you enough for all that y’all do. Much love and light sent your way.

  • Andrea says:

    I remember 8 or so years ago a distinctive bullseye rash. I have been having neurological issues, joint pain, extreme fatigue. Previously diagnosed with anemia and b-12 deficiencies. I can’t get my pcp to call me back…feeling a little crazy, but reading this is making me wonder… love your page!

  • Kim says:

    I hope your husband gets better. Have you done any research on a vegan diet? I know it isn’t for everyone, but I know people that have had cancer and beat it. The only change they had was in their diet. It might be worth a try.

  • Jan Richter says:

    What a struggle! Prayers for complete healing and wise doctors to fight this disease. There are so many of us who appreciate all the work that the two of you do. Wishing you many blessings this coming year and a Merry Christmas.

  • jayne Gilmer says:

    hi- I am in the “club” too. Diagnosed with Lyme and 4 co-infections plus mold. Have a great Llmd in Winona, MN. Hanging in there and fighting every day. Your story sounds just way too familiar- breaks my heart how many people not only fighting this but undiagnosed and misdiagnosed in such terrible health and pain. When I think of what others less informed and lifestyle choices that make it so much worse. And don’t get me started on Insurance and lack of support. You will get better and I will too- with love and help from sharing stories like this. We started a support group in my torn of Houston, MN and have 5 involved and more that want MORE information. There are MANY online support groups as well and I have gotten so much information- some helpful some not- but my doc is probably the best source of healing. Thank you so much for hanging in there- it’s not easy. But you have a beautiful family and before I knew this part of your story I was inspired by the Keto part

  • Linda Sampsel says:

    Good luck to your whole family getting through this very trying time. So glad that you have gotten him the most up to date treatment!

  • Lani says:

    Maria and Craig, my heart breaks for you and your boys at this time. I had no idea. I will remember you in my prayers. If there is anything more I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask. God bless.

  • Martha Borders says:

    A close friend of mine struggled with Lyme disease for years before finally get it diagnosed properly. She had to go out of state to get the proper guidance and treatment. It took her over a year but she is much better now. I write this to encourage you Craig that there is light at the end of this pain. Peace be with you and your family.

  • Janis says:

    Prayers for YOU and Maria and the boys!!! Maria’s load will get a lot heavier over the next few months so if there is anything your readers and supporters can do to buoy you up or buoy her up during this time, please post it! You have a village of people backing you up! ❤️

  • Ilisa Ailts says:

    I could have written all of this same stuff but my symptom is basically a paralyzed digestive system. I had three negative Lyme tests until I saw a practitioner out of Minnesota who had me do the 16-week blood culture test. That came back positive. I likely had it since I was a little kid, I was always running around in the woods. However, my husband also got it in 2007 when he was out turkey hunting. We live just 45 minutes away from you. And, since it can be transmitted sexually I’m not sure if it came from him or what. We may never know. I can be extremely keto and no carbs and my digestive system does not improve. I feel hardly any energy when I do a strict keto diet. Anything I have tried works only for about 3 to 5 days. I am constantly bloated and have not had normal bowel movements in about 5 years. I also do a lot of enemas which are really important for pain management and dealing with this infection. I now work with Dr. Jat Davidson’s team. He is the one who has hosted the two LymeDiisease Summits. I do a lot of similar stuff. I am about 2 months into used in ALA and about four months into using dmsa. I have been doing a heavy parasite protocol since June. I’m not sure but I think I’ve noticed some improvements. I still struggle with weight and hormonal imbalances. I do a lot of detox drainage pathway support, not just the detoxing. I’m not remembering if you wrote about that. That is more of opening up the drainage systems from your brain on through the rest of your body. It is such a tough and exhausting battle. I understand about the parenting. I have 3 boys 11 on down and I feel like all they know about Mom is that her stomach hurts or she doesn’t feel well enough to do basically anything from 5 p.m. on. My brain fog has been really horrendous at times. I have hope and I know this takes time. It will be interesting to hear more of your journey. I think we’re probably approaching it in a very similar manner. Dr. J has interview Dr klinghardt on his most recent Summit. I think he is the one that also mentioned chlorine dioxide. I will say I did that for about 5 weeks and felt really well. I did not like doing it though. But it is tempting to go back to that if in 6 months from now I’m not feeling progress. I had about a dozen teeth with multiple fillings that were removed from Dr. Laughlin out of River Falls in 2009. I believe I have a lot of work ahead to getting the heavy metals out. I’m hoping that as one of my remaining missing links. I will stop having a conversation on your website but you posted a lot of knowledgeable information for your readers. I really do feel like this is a blessing for you to as you work with other people. I felt like I have been kind of quiet but I’ve always tried to do the keto thing but not felt like it was the miracle I see other people get from it. I have always felt like a failure but hearing that it did not erase your pains makes me realize this disease is more than sometimes I want to give it credit for.

  • Sherry says:

    I just read a book written by a lady who suffered from Lyme for many years. She talks about many of the thinks you mention. Her name is Yolanda Hadid.
    I’m sorry for the suffering you’ve endured. All the while you’ve been an enormous resource for me on my journey. God bless you and your family.

  • Ilisa Ailts says:

    Sorry for typos. Dr. Jay Davidson, hosted 2 chronic lyme disease Summits

  • Doreen says:

    My heart goes out to you all, especially you, Craig! What a struggle! Please keep us informed about how you are doing. I’m sending love and hugs for your healing. Merry Christmas and blessings to you all!

  • Gretchen says:

    I am so very sorry for you, Craig, and your whole family. I urge you to also study and listen to Morley Robbins and The Root Cause Protocol. https://therootcauseprotocol.com/ His research is impeccable. I promise it will be worth your time.

  • Amy Dinklenburg says:

    Maria and Craig, my prayers go out to you. My doctor in Illinois is fast becoming a Lyme literate doctor out of sheer necessity. I recently underwent a three week daily Ozone therapy treatment that has done wonders for me and my chronic Lyme and autoimmune disorders. I still go in every week for high dose Myers cocktail IVs and I’m always struck by how many new patients are coming in and getting relief and hearing their tragic and amazing stories. Your blog started me off on my keto lifestyle 6 years ago and its the only way of eating that makes me feel healthy and whole. Keep up the great work and good luck to you!

  • Kathryn Damron says:

    Excellent report on a very personal and painful journey. We are with you. And at your disposal should there be anything we can do to help. You two have given me back my health. We live in Santa Cruz, just down the coast from SF. God Bless your walk.

  • Valerie Windham says:

    I am so happy that you are finally getting the correct help you need. I had messaged Maria about Dr Jay Davidson who also is an expert in Lyme disease and what your doing is right on target. His wife almost lost her life to this horrible disease. Ask your doctor about Mimosa pudica as well. It will be tough but now you have a future to look forward too without being debilitated and in pain. Prayers for you and your family to be stronger than ever and come out of this with a magnificent testimony. Merry Christmas Emmerich family.

  • Jan Perez says:

    Maria & Craig, wishing you the best on your road to complete recovery. You should definitely read The End of Alzheimer’s which explains the Bredesen Protocol—36 factors which support research-based treatment of the 3 types of Alzheimer’s, which include inflammatory and toxin forms, including Lyme. Also you may want to connect with the support group Awakening from Alzheimer’s, which was a lecture series this fall. There is important information on testing and treatment of Lyme even though you have thus far prevented neurological complications. It sounds like you are in good hands, but I know you two are no strangers to integrative medicine and will try to get as much education as you can. All the best for a speedy and complete recovery.

  • Chris says:

    Thank you, Craig and Maria, for sharing your story. I live across the river in Woodbury,MN and was diagnosed with Lyme a year ago. As a business owner and busy mom of 3 boys, I empathize with what you are going through. Stay strong! Take one day at a time and make sure to celebrate the smallest of improvements in your healing journey – each one brings you closer to being pain free! You’ve got this!!!!

  • Jan Perez says:

    Also consider contacting Charlie Goldsmith, a non-religious healer in California. He works with doctors and has helped people suffering from Lyme and other serious conditions. He doesn’t charge. We watch him on tv and he’s amazing.

  • Ana says:

    Thank you for sharing your story w/all of us. I didn’t know how debilitating Lyme disease is. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. You have a beautiful family , may God continue to bless all of you ❤️ Ana P

  • Vir-Gena Fowlkes says:

    I recently learned about this fellow and his treatment of Lyme. Best wishes on the road to recovery.
    https://witchdrtim.com/2017/09/12/public-release-experimental-lyme-treatment/

  • Marta Guthier says:

    Wow, thank you for educating me on Lyme, please know that you are in my prayers for a speedy recovery, I am so glad that you finally know what you have and can do something about it, I know that you feel bad for not being able to play or partake of wilderness trips with your boys, but your love for them and your time with them even when you are in pain are worth much more, some day when they are older and understand this things they will tell you how much they love you , for the father that you are, for the courage that it takes to care for them when you hurt, for being there every single day, you have a beautiful family and such a big heart, you help so many people while trying to help yourself, God bless you and heal you of this debilitating disease , may you and your family have a most blessed Christmas!

  • Anabell says:

    Craig, know that we are here for you in anyway that you may need us. As a chronic Lyme sufferer, I have been where you are now. It’s been a while since I went through treatment so I don’t know if there is anything new that I can teach you, but you have my ear and my shoulder as needed. Going Keto was the last piece of my puzzle, so far, and it has made such a huge difference in my energy level. I’m thankful that you’ve already got that piece mastered because it should make the recovery period ahead of you more tolerable. Prayers and best wishes. -Anabell in VA

  • Gela says:

    I hope and pray that by this time next year you will be in recovery. Unfortunately, your experience is not unique. There was a Lyme Summit a couple of years ago and it is a scary disease that can attack anyone. They said Lyme cases have been documented on all 50 states. So frightening. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am positive it will help others.

  • Kathleen Christen says:

    We have a friend (Retired Police Officer) who almost died from Lyme disease. It took over a year as you said. He is giving his testimony next week. So glad you are finally getting answers.

  • Marilyn says:

    Keeping you in my thoughts. I am a Lyme survivor. It does happen, so stay positive. My Lyme-literate physician is in Fond du Lac. I was under his care for 5+ years before I was deemed cured. I had to have help dressing, I screamed getting in to the car, could barely walk. It was horrible, and my CRP was at 20. I can’t even fathom 50. If you need any info, please contact me.

  • Evon says:

    Craig, so glad you found the answer. Praying strength as you face the year ahead and for Maria and the boys as they journey alongside of you. One day you will be running with those sweet boys.

  • So glad you found a good doctor. Wish you the best in your recovery!

  • Alli says:

    That is terrible! A friend of mine has it very bad as well. She went all over for help and recently has completed an inpatient treatment for several weeks. They put her on the blood type diet and has since felt a million times better and is back to her normal life routines and going back to finish school. I know you guys are totally Keto but you may want to ask your docs about that.

  • Janet Malone says:

    Wow! Thank you for sharing! My husband also has Lyme disease. We live in Wisconsin too. He actually had it once before and was treated right away about 25 years ago. At that time he found the tick actually embedded and the doctor removed it, sent it in and treated him immediately. One of my sons was bit and had the well known bulls eye and was also treated soon. Then about 3 years ago my husband became very sick and went through the gamut of seeing doctor after doctor and test after test trying to figure out what was wrong. Like so many Lymies he was most often diagnosed with stress and anxiety (all in your head kind of talk!) He finally was diagnosed with 2 of the 3 tests being negative. It was a long road but he is WELL now, praise God! Your family is in our prayers! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  • Joanna Alot says:

    I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I am sure you have fantastic doctors taking care of you. There is a clinic in Germany that specializes in treating Lyme Disease with high heat. From what I have been reading they have been successful. Here is the link to that hospital. Maybe you will find information there useful.
    https://www.st-george-hospital.com/lyme-specialized-center/
    I hope you will find treatment that works for you. Joanna

  • Cheryl says:

    Wow I have been struggling with pain throughout my body as you describe. Without anti-inflammatory medication I cannot move. My inflammation rate is 30 yet all tests including Lyme has come back negative. Thank you for sharing as I now have the motivation to keep pursuing this until I find someone who can help me.

  • Dee says:

    Best of luck and keep us posted. One of my neighbours, a sole, organic farmer has Lymes and is very poorly, and out of desperation is being treated by a homeopathic vet who specialises in Lymes in animals. To be honest, he did smile when we saw him yesterday, so perhaps he is getting some relief, but you can see how desperate he is.

  • Martha says:

    Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

  • Tamera says:

    Craig and Maria, I’m so grateful you shared this post because it helps me to know how better to pray for you guys and your family. I’m a quiet lurker but have been following your blog and website (and have most all of your books) since I went Keto in June 2016. So my appreciation for you both—along with your wealth of knowledge about living this healthier lifestyle and your vitality in sharing that knowledge with others—runs deep.

    A dear friend of mine also has Lyme, and she’s had a similar journey to yours. She lives in Idaho and has found a significant level of healing, but still the symptoms return from time to time. She’s a vocal “advocate” in telling others about the risks of Lyme, the high chances of a misdiagnosis, etc… much as you’ve shared above.

    I’m sharing your post with her and want to share her journey with you too, in the event that what’s she’s learned—and the numerous medical connections she’s made—over these past years will prove helpful.
    http://brandilyncollins.com/lymedisease

    God’s richest blessings to you and your precious boys this Christmas—and fervent prayers for healing,
    Tamera Alexander

  • Janet says:

    Craig, I will definitly pray for you and your family. I am sure you have heard about Dr. Mercola’s girlfriend and her battle with lyme disease, If not check it out.

  • Sending love, light and healing energy your way. So happy to hear you found a specialist you trust to help heal. Thank you for all you have done for me, my journey toward less inflammation and greater health, and weight loss that has been impossible any other way since chemotherapy.

  • Heidi says:

    Dear Craig,
    I met this gal at Hippocrates Health Institute last summer. She had overcome Lyme and had done so much research on it. I wanted to share here blog in case there was anything in it that would be helpful to you on your healing journey. Know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    http://www.greenlightheidi.com/2012/12/lyme-disease-my-healing-story/

  • Ruth Biafora says:

    Maria and Craig, the four of you are my favorite family. This honest article brought tears to my eyes. Craig, you are so wonderful, taking life minute by minute and second by second. I wish I could take your pain. That is what I want for Christmas, for the pain to be removed from you forever.

    Much love and support,
    Ruthie Biafora

  • Kimberly Keating says:

    Craig; praying for you to be able to endure and overcome and deepen your understanding of this NASTY disease. The more the world is educated on this stuff the better off all will be. Thank you, that you will post, but we will pray for your courage and your mood to be lifted daily! Godspeed Craig.

  • Cass says:

    I am so grateful for your posting this story — so many people do not understand the scourge of Lyme. I grew up on Long Island, now live in New Jersey — both Ground Zero for Lyme. For months earlier this year, I felt awful. Long list of symptoms — and my doctor did diagnose Lyme. She put me on the Doxycycline for 30 days, even though my blood test showed negative. (ha!) . The antibiotic helped, but I’m still not “myself.”

    I wish Craig and the entire family good luck and good health — and I pray that more research will go into finding better remedies and preventions for this most terrifying of diseases. Again, thank you. You make me feel better about still not feeling “all better.” I wish you a happy, and healthier, New Year. (PS Your boys are darling!)

  • Melisa says:

    God Bless you, and sharing this story could help thousands of people.

  • DonnaZ says:

    Please keep us posted. As I was debilitated with Lymes and for 2 yrs told it is all in my head. Etc… The good news is that with concentrated good nutrition, prayers and time, I am back to myself!! I am interested in your updated info if it can help my daughter. Thank you for sharing. You will be in my prayers.

  • Ingrid says:

    Thank you for sharing your story. I wish all the best and please do recover! Merry Christmas! 2018 will be much better!

  • Jules Mantle says:

    I was diagnosed with Lyme’s by a clinical homeopath, using a vega testing machine. Who was able to successfully treat me. I live in the UK, but would be worth trying to find someone in the usa

    Hope whichever treatment you choose is successful for you.

    XX

  • Dori says:

    I was also diagnosed with Chronic Lyme’s in 2016 by a Holistic Doctor in Burnsville. I had no idea why I always had so many aches and sore spots on my body. After I went through a 30 week treatment, I feel so much better. I am so glad I looked to alternative medicine. The medical doctors thought I had Fibromyalgia which I knew was not true. Good luck to you and Craig!

  • Randa says:

    Our family will pray for you, Craig! It must be very difficult.

  • Susan Breining says:

    Craig and Maria, I am so sorry for this difficult journey. I would really like to discuss with you privately about a product that will speed your recovery process by giving your body the raw materials it needs to heal itself. Please reply if you are interrested in learning more. Merry Christmas to your family!

  • Amy says:

    So so sorry to hear this. My husband and mother both had Lyme disease this year but it was caught early. They originally diagnosed my mom with mono, but she was lucky to eventually get a positive test. Where they live in southern VT is ground zero for Lyme at the moment. My husband had a giant rash but never saw a tick and they treated him with antibiotics without testing. Wishing you a full recovery!

  • Barbara Linder says:

    Wow…just wow. Thank you for your courage and generosity in writing this and thereby educating us all on Lyme disease. I am an RN and there is a lot of info here that I didn’t know!! My heart aches for you, Craig, and the suffering you are enduring…and also for Maria, for the stress she is enduring through her actions to family life as normal as possible while being your support. Will be praying for your continued recovery!!

  • cherie says:

    Craig thank you for sharing your story with the world – I’m sure it has given a lot of people some support that needed it! It’s always hard to feel that you’re alone. I am so sorry for the things you’ve missed and the pain you’ve suffered, and the difficulty I’m sure your family has had knowing that you’re in pain. Sending prayers for strength and health for you as you recover. This was eye opening!

  • Deborah Hartline says:

    Craig and Maria, thanks for sharing this difficult journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you work to heal. The information you provide will help so many others!

  • Jaci Kroupa says:

    Thank you for sharing your story…. I have Lupus and know how debilitating auto immune diseases can be….. I have a good friend who also has Lyme’s and is struggling with how to best handle it. I have sent her the link to your story….there is so much to learn from your story. Praying for you and your family and look forward to any and all updates that you may post. God has you in his hands!

  • Antoine says:

    Stay strong, you guys can beat this. May you have a very speedy recovery and I hope that every day gets better than the previous. Thank you guys for all that you do.

  • Carla Hillard says:

    Thank you for sharing your story…being so open and honest about your joys and your hurts. You both are such an inspiration to us all.
    These years are only a part of your life’s story… the rest of your story is yet to be written. We will believe in healing and health for you .We will join you all in prayer for a healing miracle for Craig and many more years ahead like the first year you guys brought your beautiful boys home!
    God is good and He loves you both dearly.
    Your family will be in our prayers.
    We will be checking for updates and celebrating any good news that you share.
    Thank you again.💗

  • Kendra says:

    I was diagnosed with MS about 6 years ago after about as many years of being told everything looks “great”! I have spent my entire life outdoors and it really peaks my interest that Dr. Klinghardt has never treated an MS patient that did not also test positive for Lyme disease. I was told I have very classic MS lesions on my brain with very atypical symptoms ~ what does that mean? I am a Registered Nurse that still has many issues that do NOT fit my MS diagnosis. I will be doing some more research thanks to your discussion and story. Many prayers and blessings for healing and the day when you can get out and play hard with your precious boys 🙏🏼

  • Anna says:

    We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. Thanks for sharing your story,

  • Christina says:

    Craig & Maria. Thank you so much for sharing your personal struggles with your health. You are helping so many people. Prayers for you and your family & a blessed holiday season.

  • Ellene says:

    My heart goes out to you as more and more people are dealing with such debilitating medical issues. Where did this country take such a wrong turn? I believe we are getting hit from all sides -chemtrails, gmo foods, water contamination by farmers, factories, etc and the only answer at this point is detox detox and detox. Blue green algae, diatomaceous earth, chlorella/chlorophyll, spirulina, cilantro even takes aluminum out of the brain, green (nasty tasting) drinks, the clays – bentonite, terramin, etc. antiparasitics, grapefruit seed extract to break down biofilm and then nourish with organic vegs grass fed meat, high nutrient dense herbs, Fiji water or the miracule water machine. And turn back to God for help. I am very thankful for the medical field – their lifesaving measures, their diagnostics – even their drugs with their horrific side affects, but how unfortunate that a certain greedy group doesn’t even want “we the people” to have access to natural help. A lot of times it’s the only help that truly helps. My prayers are with you.

    • Ellene says:

      Hey. I also think I remember Naturalnews.com – Mike Adams the health ranger had an article about cannabis kicking Lyme disease to the curb but it may have been cannabis with THC and not CBD oil. You’d probably have to live in Colorado or another state with full legalization. I don’t know. Worth researching.

  • Patricia Hugghins says:

    Prayers for you Craig. I have also wondered why there is so much dementia and Alzheimer’s, and I have believed it is also related to all the diet drinks we consume. My mother was almost exclusively diet cokes, she is now living in a home at 82 with dementia and meds. So sorry for you, but thank God you can share your story and we can all be on the look out too.

  • Sheryl says:

    Thank you so much for the courage to share your journey. Love and healing energy to you and your family.

  • Tara says:

    Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease five years ago. I believe I contracted it earlier, but I really got hit when we moved to a new home/farm that was loaded with mold.

    I really hope you will update us with your (Craig’s) progress. I’m at the point, giving things one more year with my current doctors, where I’m considering undergoing treatment with Dr. Klinghardt. I would love to hear more about Craig’s successes and lessons learned. I too am dealing with heavy metals (far infrared sauna is key there) and co-infections.

    Eating a keto diet has been instrumental in calming the symptoms of Lyme disease for me. It has kept my brain clear just as you explained it has for you as well. I look forward to the day when I can get back into weight lifting and the rigorous outdoor pursuits that once defined me. Until then, hope reigns the heart.

    Thank you!
    Tara

  • Sarah says:

    I am in the same boat. I was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease earlier this year. This diagnosis has explained a lot of symptoms that did not make sense. The medical community for the most part are completely in the dark about this disease. It is a shame because this disease effects many and many do not know that this is what is causing their ailments.

  • Linda says:

    Oh gosh! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am going to print out and share with those I know with Lymes and MS.

    Craig, praying for your speedy and complete recovery.

  • Wendy meyer says:

    With so many people responding I don’t know is you will read all this or not. You probably have genetic snips for vitamins b6, 12, and folic acid. These are needed to make a red blood cell. If you have this, you can’t carry oxygen as efficiently. There are also between 60-80 hemoglobin dependent enzymes that include detoxification, immune system, vasodilation of your arteries (tight muscles), and converting your thyroid hormone into the active form are a few of them. People with this need to take them in the methylated form. Another very common snip is one for vitamin D (VDR). This has impacts on the thyroid, vasodilation of the arteries, serotonin/dopamine, melatonin, and getting rid of estrogens. If you do, you just have to take it with vitamin a and k. Since you are so sick, you may also have a snip for CBS. This requires some extra care . . . There are also doctors that are doing ozone for Lymes and getting great results. Dr. Frank Schallenberger comes to mind, he also has equipment to read your mitochondrial function and what things are impacting it.

  • Krissy says:

    Thank you both for being so open and sharing. I will keep your family in my thoughts and hope for strength and vitality (i.e. health) to return in full quickly. I used to live in Northern MN (we lived in a red pine forest, the ticks used to climb the exterior walls of our house….so many everywhere). I have tons of digestive symptoms that keep getting worse year after year (basically I can’t eat anything without symptoms). This year I saw a new practitioner that recommended a Western Blot lymes test. I was CDC negative; however,I did have some positive bands. I didn’t know what to think, so it just kind of ended there. With this post it makes me think perhaps I should do additional testing just in case. When you feel up to it please write more of your learned knowledge and experience–I would be interested in it all. Thank you and keep us posed on how you are doing!

  • Renee Emmerich Cavalli says:

    Craig, my prayers are with you and I’m glad you are getting the help you need. I am the very last of the Emmerich’s in my family and was so excited when I first saw the name Maria Emmerich. I didn’t realize there were other Emmerich’s. We have been so blessed by all of Maria’s cookbooks. I have been doing Keto for several years and now my daughter also follows you and has all the cookbooks. Wishing you all the best.

  • Sorice Madina says:

    Around age 60 I noticed that my handwriting was getting smaller and I was writing faster. I also noticed a small tremor in my right hand. The doctor went over my different symptoms and he suspected I’d either had a small stroke or the beginnings of Parkinson ‘s disease. After finding a neurologist and some testing I was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease. That was 4 years ago. I take Sinimet four times a day to control my symptoms, which include falling, imbalance, gait problems, swallowing difficulties, and slurring of speech,This year, our family doctor started me on Mbeki Herbal Clinic Parkinson’s Disease Herbal mixture, 5 weeks into treatment I improved dramatically. At the end of the full treatment course, the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, hallucination, weakness, muscle pain or tremors.

  • Kay says:

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Thanks so much for sharing your story! Here’s to a great life full of health and happiness!

  • Lori says:

    So glad you found the problem in time. Praying for a full recovery.

Free Email Updates

Don't miss any of our free content or sales!

We respect your privacy. We never share your information with anyone.